What is a haiku?
As Leo of Haiku Heights aptly explains, a haiku is a three line
poem. It shows what the author wants us to understand from it, rather
than tell it directly. The limitation to a haiku is seventeen syllables.
It can be at maximum, that much. If you wish to go by the traditional
Japanese structure even with English haiku, you can use a 5-7-5
syllable, or 3-5-3 syllable structure

In the aftermath of the terrible tragedy wroth by Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in the Philippines, my heart has been heavy with pain and prayer for the families affected by the typhoon. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to all the people of the Philippines during this difficult time. I had a dream that Mother Earth would avert natural disasters by creating pockets of safe havens for her children; cocoons of divine protection from earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis and hurricanes. So many people are suffering and need relief.

In times like this, we are reminded of the ephemeral nature of life, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of offering compassionate aid to our fellow men, women and children. There are many organizations raising funds and helping out, please don't forget those affected and lets all so our bit; write, donate, volunteer, post an unselfie, - every gesture carries enormous weight. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.”

What is Carpe Diem? Blog Owner, Kristjaan
Panneman, describes it as: "a weblog on haiku. It's a new daily haiku meme where you can write a classical or
non-classical haiku on a given prompt. Haiku is an ancient Japanese poetry
form. A haiku has three short lines and describes a short moment (as short as
the sound of a pebble thrown into water). Mostly a haiku counts 5-7-5 syllables
and is sometimes called 'counted verse."

This week, I'm continuing my participation in Carpe Diem's Tan Renga. If you recall, in last week's post, I mentioned that Kristjaan of Carpe Diem, describes a Tan Rengaas: "a short-linked poem which has two stanza, the first stanza has 5-7-5
syllables (the haiku assigned) and the second stanza has 7-7
syllables (I write it). The second stanza is a response on the first and has to have a
'kind of link' with the first stanza, but it can also be completely
different say 'a kind of reaction or answer' on the first, but there
always has to be, in some way, a 'link' with the first stanza." Mine are below each color coded one above.

I've continued my reflections on the tragic typhoon in the Tan Renga haiku above. Even with the tremendous challenges people are facing in the affected areas, post Typhoon Yolanda, there have been many examples of human courage and kindness. It is still possible to offer help so don't hesitate to add your voice and compassionate giving to the survivors in the Philippines. Philippines Relief Fund and UNICEF Please read: Wrath of Haiyan/Typhoon Yolanda #‎lookingforlittletarin‬ Thank you!

Some Food for Thought: Have you contributed to the Philippines relief effort? Have you even been in a natural disaster? How did you cope? What tips would you offer survivors? Take a moment to
contemplate natural calamities around the world; what about human suffering and survival come to mind?what does this haiku and the message of the Tan Renga mean to you?
Love and Peace in 2013.

After the several calamities (natural and man-made) that has happened in the Philippines, we cannot help but be saddened. But this occurrence has also developed compassion among so many people of all ages, and all over the world. It has brought the people out of their comfort zones and they themselves are surprised at how they have given more in terms of time, talent or treasure. I, personally, am happy on how it has stirred the "want to help" in my son and his friends.

Couldn't have said it any better when you wrote that "every gesture carries enormous weight." It is very reassuring that at times like this, the world still has enough compassion and love to help and offer prayers. It gives me hope that there is still a lot of good in the world. Thank you also for your concerns and prayers :-)

Heartwarming haiku sis. Thank you. We do help in our own little way and I know no help is little at this point in time. Every single small thing is appreciated. God bless Philippines and God bless those who are helping and praying for our country.

A sincere short prayer is enough for God's ear..God knows what we need even if we don't ask but we always need to communicate with God.I pray that this devastation would not happen again and I believe that GOD will help our fellowmen get back on their feet...FAST!

My heart goes out to those who were affected by the super typhoon. I am lost for words especially when I saw kids and babies already dead. I cried buckets of tears. This is really heart breaking. Thank you, Ms. Eliz for writing this entry. I love the first quote the most. Truly, God hears and I know that in time, help will come and our people will be able to make it thru all these.

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About Me

Growing up on three continents has exposed me to people/places that are culturally rich and varied. My interests in learning, teaching and traveling continue to inform my work as a training specialist.
I have three blogs on three blogging platforms: I love writing my Blogger posts at: Positive Kismet - http://www.positivekismet.com/, my WordPress posts at: Mirth and Motivation - http://mirthandmotivation.com/ and my Tumblr posts at http://thehugginghearts.com/
I enjoy visiting other bloggers websites and encouraging them. Unless we reach out and connect with other writers regularly, blogging can be a somewhat lonely endeavor.
My family, friends, faith and colleagues have been instrumental to my growth as a writer/blogger. over the years, I've learned a lot and, as I continue to master my craft and learn new skills, I always remember to be grateful. Most importantly, I remember to support others.
For several years, I signed off with eof777 - an abbreviation of my longer full name and love of aeronautics - Elizabeth Obih-Frank and the 777 series. Recently, I decided to simplify and now use the shorter - Eliz Frank.
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